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Sunday, March 2, 2014

meet ELAINE

AUTHOR & SPEAKER - ELAINE LITTAU

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Jane H., Me, & Elaine
North Texas Book Festival Dinner
April, 2010

When I got published I have to admit I absolutely knew nothing about marketing, finding events, setting up a booth, setting up a pretty looking display and just general author(y) things. I happened upon Elaine (who was also a newbie author) on FB and we instantly got along. It was great to have someone to bounce ideas and questions off of. We also were able to give one another advice and it was wonderful to have some to VENT frustrations when events and sales were scarce! After over a year of corresponding through FB and email we were able to meet -- Ashley and I were coming from Massachusetts to Texas for the North Texas Book Festival. Since then, Elaine and I have done several events together and still are able to discuss ideas and vent from time-to-time. I'm so blessed to have Elaine, her husband Terry and also their daughter-in-law Aimee as friends!

Elaine & I at the Perryton
Craft Fair - 2012

Elaine Littau writes historical fiction and the way she writes is phenomenal. Every story draws you in and you find yourself cheering for the characters! I am glad she took the time to answer a few questions.

I am a pretty ordinary woman who got married and raised three sons. After they were all grown up, I began to work on a book because I heard the statement: "Every person has a book inside them." I actually thought I would type up a story and leave it in a drawer to be found years later by my heirs. **Elaine and her husband, Terry just celebrated their 39th Wedding Anniversary on March 1st! Happy Anniversary to a wonderful couple!

God had different plans. A publisher sent me a contract for the first book and I had to decide if I would continue writing or walk away with one book published and my goal met. I decided to write.

HOW DO YOU GET YOUR STORY IDEAS?I grew up watching Westerns with my parents and also reading a lot of books to my parents. Grace Livingston Hill was one of my favorite authors. Zane Gray was also a great Western author that I enjoyed. I loved to read Christian love stories and hearing how the people in my family got together and fell in love. Some of those stories were from the distant past. These really sparked my interest.

Here is a listing of Elaine's works:

The Nan's Heritage Series:

Book I, Nan's Journey Book II, Elk's Resolve Book III, Luke's Legacy Book IV, The Eyes of a Stranger Book V, Timothy's Home

Rescued...a Series of Hope:

Book I, Some Happy Day Book II, Capture the Wandering Heart Book III, Walk Slowly through the Dark Book IV, The Restless Kansas Wind (More coming soon.)

The Nashville Series: Book I, Six Miles from Nashville Book II, Christmas in Nashville (More coming soon.)

HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED WRITER's BLOCK?Yes, with my last book, The Restless Kansas Wind, I was stuck for over a month. I just couldn't figure out how to tie the ends together and make it conclude satisfactorily. Finally, a few new thoughts broke through and I knew how to do it.

HOW MANY HOURS A DAY DO YOU DEDICATE TO WRITING? I wish I could truthfully say that I write many hours a day, but I can't. I work on marketing a lot each day. Per week I average several days and a few hours each time I sit down to write. There are some months that I just sit down and write each day for hours and other months, I think about the story and how it should develop.

WHY DO YOU LIKE TO WRITE?I like writing because it stretches my mind and soul. Through writing about the struggles of my characters, I find out what I really think about conflicts and how to resolve them. I learn more about God and why I love Him so much. In writing each book, I have tackled an issue I needed to confront. Of course, my issues are not as dramatic, but the core is the same.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A WRITER?

I have always made up stories in my head for entertainment since childhood. I created alternate endings to soap operas that my mom watched and movies that didn't end the way I wanted.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER (in your books) AND WHY?

There is a character in Elk's Resolve that I love. Her name is Purdy. She is unsophisticated and speaks her mind. Her remarks are never intended to bring harm. She just says things the way she sees them. I like that!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US:

One of the best things that has happened to me since I have become an author is the opportunity to meet other authors face to face. It has been a pleasure to meet Laura, her daughter, and her mom. They are simply some of my favorite people. Knowing authors like Laura has made my life richer than ever. **thanks Elaine -- I'm so glad you have been a part of my life for the past 6 YEARS!

Elaine and I "hanging" out before our

speaking gig at Lake Victor

WHICH DO YOU LIKE MORE - WRITING or SPEAKING?

I love speaking to groups. Some of the best experiences I have had are with small groups, although I love a huge crowd. I get excited about telling humorous stories about my life and I also love giving devotionals. I think I love to write. I say that because, even when I am not working on a novel, I am writing actual letters to my grands and friends or an article for a newspaper or something. Writing is my life.

**Our speaking engagement at Lake Victor was one of the BEST times I have had as an author!

Laura's Literature

What's in the Corner? A Muffin 'Tail'Buy from Amazon (Print & Kindle)
Sing along to this musical mystery 'tail' as Muffin discovers what's in the corner of her backyard! Muffin's second adventure will spark the imagination of children of all ages!

A Simpler TimeBuy from AmazonOver-saturated with the latest video games and iPhone apps, does anyone slow down to remember A Simpler Time? Join A.J. as she discovers a summer of fun with her mom, finding animals in the clouds, and a trek to find the perfect four-leaf clover!

The Life of Bud

Went Out To Get A DONUT- Came Home With A MUFFINBuy from AmazonThis charming book engages little readers into the importance of animal rescue. A family stumbles upon an opportunity: a cute, fluffy puppy. Should they take him home?

Book Signings

THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL 2015I appreciate your support ... hope you can join me at EVENTS in 2016

Laura Eckroat

News

Book Laura to speak at your school, daycare, or learning center! Email her at thelifeofbud@aol.com.

NEW BOOK ALERT

Daisy - A Life Cycle Series has RELEASED - If you'd like your copy, email me at thelifeofbud@aol.com

Red Goes To Kindergarten, released JULY 21, 2015! It won the Texas Assoc of Authors BEST Children's Book Ages 7 & Under for 2016.

A Simpler Time & The Life of Bud are now available in Spanish. If you're interested in either - please email me at thelifeofbud@aol.com

Laura's book Went Out To Get a Donut - Came Home With a Muffin was featured in Fort Worth, Texas Magazine. It also won 2013 Texas Association of Authors First Place Award for Best 7 and Under Children's Book!